We have successfully recovered compensation totalling £45,000 following an accident in a supermarket.
We offer a free consultation to anyone needing expert legal guidance on supermarket accident claims. Just phone 0333 888 0408 or send an email to info@sbclaims.co.uk.
Summary of the successful claim
Carly Sylvester, a personal injury specialist at Slee Blackwell Solicitors, has successfully secured compensation for an elderly client, ‘S,’ following a serious accident at a well-known UK supermarket.
S visited her local supermarket to do her grocery shopping. On arrival, she noticed that the automatic doors were not functioning correctly. Rather than closing the store for repairs, or providing an alternative entrance, management decided to prop the faulty doors open, allowing customers to continue using them.
As S attempted to enter the store, the right door suddenly malfunctioned and slammed shut, striking her with force and knocking her to the ground.
Emergency medical assistance was called, and S was taken to hospital, where doctors confirmed she had suffered a fractured hip. Due to the severity of the injury, she required a full hip replacement, a major procedure with a lengthy and difficult recovery process.
Unfortunately, her ordeal did not end there. Just a week after being discharged, she began feeling unwell and soon developed concerning symptoms, including blood in her vomit and stool. Urgent medical tests revealed that she had suffered a ruptured abscess in her small intestine—a life-threatening condition that required emergency surgery.
Facing both physical and emotional trauma, S and her family turned to Carly Sylvester for legal support. After hearing about S’s distressing experience, Carly agreed to take on her case, working under a No Win, No Fee agreement, therefore ensuring that S could seek justice without financial risk.
Carly immediately got to work, building a strong claim by gathering key evidence, including:
- Medical reports from an orthopaedic surgeon, colorectal surgeon, plastic surgeon, and a clinical psychologist, ensuring that every aspect of S’s injuries and ongoing suffering was fully considered.
- Financial evidence documenting the expenses incurred due to the accident, including medical expenses, travel costs, and additional care needs.
- Witness statements, which confirmed the supermarket’s failure to ensure customer safety and detailed the significant level of care and assistance S’s family had to provide as a result of her injuries.
Initially, the supermarket’s insurers disputed the claim. They then made a ‘without prejudice’ offer that fell far short of what S deserved. The proposed amount did not properly reflect her pain, suffering, and financial losses, and on our advice the offer was rejected.
Carly was determined to secure fair compensation. Using the powerful medical evidence she had obtained, she successfully negotiated an increased the settlement of £45,000.
Read about our expertise in dealing with injury claims against Asda and Aldi supermarkets.
Review of the service our client received
S and her family were incredibly appreciative of Carly’s determination and dedication in delivering an excellent outcome, sharing the following review on a leading independent legal review website.
“After my elderly mother was injured by malfunctioning doors at a well-known supermarket, we were recommended Carly Sylvester. From start to finish, she was kind, courteous, and patient. We received regular updates, and when the initial settlement offer was far too low, Carly fought tirelessly until a fair amount was agreed. Carly is not only professional but also approachable—she never overwhelmed us with legal jargon. We are extremely grateful for her hard work and would highly recommend her to anyone in need of legal assistance.”
How our lawyers can help with supermarket accident claims
This case highlights the legal responsibility that supermarkets and indeed all shops and retail outlets have to protect their customers. Supermarkets and other retailers must ensure that their facilities are properly maintained and safe for public use. Had the store acted responsibly—by either repairing the doors promptly or implementing proper safety precautions— our client’s accident would never have occurred and she would not have suffered the injuries that she did.
Read our article on claiming compensation for slips, trips ,and falls.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe conditions in a public place, you may be entitled to compensation. Slee Blackwell Solicitors has a dedicated team of personal injury experts, including Carly Sylvester, who can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
We specialise in shop and supermarket accident claims nationwide. We work on a no win, no fee basis, and offer a free consultation service.